GOP's Brown to back US-Russia treaty

WASHINGTON – Republican Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts says he will support a new nuclear arms treaty with Russia.

Brown told reporters Monday that he will vote Tuesday with Democrats to cut off debate on the accord and will vote to ratify the pact — a top foreign policy priority of President Barack Obama. He said he did due diligence on the issue, speaking to experts and reached his decision.

Two-thirds of the Senate is necessary to approve the treaty, and Obama needs GOP votes. Brown is the sixth Republican senator who is on board.

All 57 Democrats in the caucus are expected to back the treaty, with Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., absent this week for surgery.